How is Urine Handled

Urine management is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of any compost toilet setup. But with the OGO™ Compost Toilet, it's all built in: clean, efficient, and simple to use. Here's how it works.

Emptying the Urine Bottle

The OGO™ urine bottle holds 2.4 gallons and is made from durable HDPE plastic built to last. Each unit includes a bottle cap and a molded carry handle for easy transport.

To remove it:

• Unlock the drawer hooks on both sides.

• Pull the drawer forward and remove the bottle.

When it’s full:

• Cap it to prevent spills.

• Carry it out and dump.

Whether you're on the road, at a remote site, or parked at a marina, this bottle makes liquid waste management quick and contained.

Where Can You Dump Urine

This one depends on where you are. Dumping laws and practices vary across cities, states, and countries. OGO™ users span over 40 countries, and every region is different.

That said, here are some common, safe, and eco-friendly options:

• Dilute it: Mix 1 part urine with 8 parts water and pour it on non-edible landscaping or mature trees.

• Use it as fertilizer: Urine contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—great for plants when diluted properly.

• Check local regulations: In some areas, it's legal to dump in nature; in others, it’s not. When in doubt, contact your local health or environmental department.

Want more details? We recommend checking out Where to Dump a Composting Toilet—a helpful, well-researched take from a full-time RV user.

Do You Have to Use the Bottle

No. If you’re building a more permanent setup or want even less maintenance, a drain kit is in the works. This optional upgrade allows you to divert urine to a grey tank or filtration system instead of collecting it in a bottle.

The drain kit is simple to install, and just as easy to remove for cleaning or travel. It’s a great alternative for vanlifers, cabin dwellers, and custom builders looking for a more seamless system.

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How Do You Know When It’s Full

Here’s where OGO™ really stands out.

The urine bottle holds more than most compost toilets out there—2.4 gallons, to be exact. But what sets it apart is the built-in sensor and indicator light that tells you when it’s time to empty. No guessing, no overflow, no mess.

This urine diversion system also improves performance:

• Reduces odor

• Helps solids dry faster

• Speeds up composting by keeping moisture out of the solids bin

Why Urine Diversion Matters

You don’t have to separate liquids and solids—but you should.

When urine and feces mix, you get sewage. That’s what smells bad and attracts flies. By keeping them separate, composting toilets stay cleaner, drier, and smell far less than traditional toilets.

Here’s how the OGO™ system does it:

• A patented trapdoor and integrated funnel in the drain pan direct urine into the bottle or drain line.

• Solids drop cleanly into the compost bin below when the trapdoor is activated by a simple pull handle.

The result? Two completely separate waste streams—both of which can be returned safely to the environment.

Benefits of Urine Diversion

• Smells less than a flush toilet

• Separates waste for better composting

• Keeps solids drier, speeding up the breakdown process

• Uses no water

• Creates usable, safe compost

• Produces nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer (when diluted)

• Reduces strain on municipal systems

• Vents odors directly outside

Urine diversion isn’t just clean—it’s smart, sustainable, and better for long-term use.

Is There a Special Way to Use It

Not really—but we do suggest men sit down to help guide the urine stream properly. It’s more consistent, especially in compact setups like vans or tiny bathrooms.

Don’t worry—your OGO™ toilet is designed for real use. The built-in funnel and seals direct urine into the bottle with 98% accuracy. As for the 2%? Like any toilet, some cleaning is required.

Regular wipe-downs will keep your unit clean, fresh, and functioning at its best. Want more on that? Check out our full article on Cleaning Your OGO™.

Final Word

Urine management with the OGO™ is simple, smart, and designed for real life. Whether you’re using the built-in bottle or a drain kit, this system separates liquid waste from solids to reduce odor, improve composting, and keep everything running smoothly.

No black tanks. No harsh chemicals. Just better design—for better living.